The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-02
THE WHEN

the synod of Iowa. In each the body de-
clined to interfere. An appeal was finally made
to the assembly, and the committee TO whom the
matter was referred reported that the prohib-
itory law forbidding the of instrumental
music in the worship of God has been repealed.
and this leaves the sessions at liberty to intro
duce such music they may deem wise and
profitable. Therefore there is no legal ground
for action, and the appeal is not sustained" A
minority report was also presented recommend
ing that the appeal be sustained.
Rev. j. Il. johnson. of Washington, Pa, pro-
posed the subjoined substitute: The appeal as
sumes that there is n law in the church under
which families and congregations can be forbid
den to use instruments in their worship. The
contrary, however. is the fact; for the law which
previously in force has been repealed, thus
leaving the question to be managed by both fam
lilies and churches under the guidance of Chris
tian prudence and the law which provides for the
thing whereby may edify another. We
therefore recommend that the appeal be not sus-
tanned"
Everybody had something to say on the sub
ject The Rev. James Brown contended that the
appeal should be sustained. 1t was a matter of
conscience with him. II could not go into the
Keokuk church." said he. because they had an
organ there The congregation promised to
cover the organ if l would come and preach for
them, but could not do So"
Elder Charles T.. Deane, of Pittsburg. in be-
half of the young people. appealed in favor of the
organ.
'"rhere is no law prohibiting instrumental mu-
sic," declared the Rev. II. b. Ewing. d. d.;
''such law would not be warranted in the
teachings of the Lord"
The Rev. ID. s. McHenry, of San Francisco,
insisted that the prohibitory law existed, and
had never been repealed. This is question:"
he added. that has divided the assembly for
years. l contend that the organ is now used
without the authority of the assembly"
When the Rev. George c. Vincent took the
floor, he started into an exhaustive discussion of
the subject from scripsural standpoint, and
was brought to sudden stop by Moderator Glib
sons abrupt admonition: "Confne yourself to
the subject Doctor"
This assembly," resumed the Rev. DIR. Vim
cent, should vote to exclude the organ. It's
is wholly without warrant It's is a step
backwards toward the mother of harlots-5
Another effort to settle the controversy was
made by the Rev. j. Ii. Brown, who presented
the appended proposition:
Whereas There is law forbidding the
of instrumental music in the churches of God. and.
therefore there has been violation of law in the
pending therefore,
Resolved. That the appeal be not sustained
After further debate the matter was disposed
of by the adoption of Rev Mr.. Browns PROPOSE
tion follows: For the proposition, and, there
fore. for the organ-Ministers. 6l elders, DC;
total, 107 Against the Observation-Disclosures
80; elders, "a; total "a.
The special committee on reform urged the
need of strcter observance of the Sabbath,
and declared against liquor licenses, urging the
brethren to vote for strict prohibition only.